6.5 PRC research leads to questions

[HeavyAssault]

Pretty sure this is the right section since I'm asking more about ammo/loads/barrel life.


In my recent research about the 6.5PRC I need to clarify some reading.

A) Muzzle velocities over 3000 fps in regular use can lead to shortened barrel life.
B) The 3000 fps+ muzzle velocity is most likely going to happen when hand-loading.
C) Most production 6.5PRC will fall under the 3000 fps and therefore not going to lead to shortened barrel life in comparison to hand-loads.

I'm not a seasoned hand loader but I get the ideas/basics so please don't get too technical with me. Thanks.

 

[Supersubes]

It’s a bunch of powder for a 6.5 bore. If you’re concerned about barrel life at all, look somewhere else.

There’s limited factory loads, so not a large data set, but most seem to be short to well short of 3k. Maybe it will find it’s legs with some developement. Seems Hornady is treading pretty lightly.

Ultimately it’s about the blow torch that’s killing your throat. It would be an oversimplification to say because the factory loads are below 3k, or certain factory guns sling them sub 3k, that barrel life isn’t affected. If you buy a prc, and constantly think about your barrel life, you probably shoulda bought a creedmoor.

 

[huntsman22]

or a Grendel....

 

[wapiti16b]

Ahh ! , but what about a 7PRC ? , anyone pondered this yet ?

 

[HeavyAssault]

Not trying to compare to other calibers. Just trying to understand the conversations about the 6.5PRC.

@Supersubes thanks for the reply.

 

[Milo 2.5]

Pretty sure this is the right section since I'm asking more about ammo/loads/barrel life.


In my recent research about the 6.5PRC I need to clarify some reading.

A) Muzzle velocities over 3000 fps in regular use can lead to shortened barrel life.
B) The 3000 fps+ muzzle velocity is most likely going to happen when hand-loading.
C) Most production 6.5PRC will fall under the 3000 fps and therefore not going to lead to shortened barrel life in comparison to hand-loads.

I'm not a seasoned hand loader but I get the ideas/basics so please don't get too technical with me. Thanks.

A) It does not matter what case you load for, if you shoot for max velocities, max pressures, barrel life is going to suffer. I've toasted 6XC and 6SLR barrels in 1100rds, but it was fun while they lasted.
B) Most factory ammo is downloaded to some degree. You cannot hand the masses max pressure loads and not expect litigation. Handloaders may and do push the envelope.
C) As a handloader and a shooter, you can somewhat control barrel life. You could find a slower powder that does not get close to max pressures, not sure what velocities would be. Some claim a couple VV powders, N160 and N165 burn cool, could be an option.
I have no history with the PRC and never will, so that is as technical as I can get.